In the Bedroom

Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, September 5, 2002

Frank Fowler (Nick Stahl) has a lot to anticipate. He will be entering graduate school in the fall.

By Teresa Hendricks

Frank's summer is going pretty well. He has been dating Natalie (Marisa Tomei), an older woman who is separated from her violent husband, Richard (William Mapother). Frank is fond of her two young sons, and attends their baseball games and takes them fishing. He tells his mother it's just "a summer thing" and that they're not serious. "I've had lots of girls. I don't know why this one is any different," Frank claims.

Frank's parents, Dr. Matt and Ruth Fowler (Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek) agree that Natalie is a wonderful girl, but are concerned that she is more than a young man like Frank can handle. "This is not some sweetie from Vassar you can visit on holidays," warns Ruth. "You're not in this alone." Ruth is concerned that Frank will get in over his head, but Matt takes a more passive stance. He is proud of his son's conquest, but Matt doesn't think Frank will marry Natalie.

Because of their son's relationship with Natalie, Ruth and Matt are faced with an unforeseen nightmare. Will the Fowlers turn to each other in their grief or turn against each other?

Here is the Reel Deal: "In the Bedroom" is rated R for violence and language. Its title and the pictures on the video sleeve are deceptive. This is not movie of a torrid love affair. "In the Bedroom" refers to the conversations couples have when they've closed the door, turned off the lights, and settle in for some pillow talk.

This film is about a family that drifted apart. We know that Ruth tries to advise Frank, but he cuts her off. Matt visits Frank on his lunch hours, but father and son fail to engage in man-to-man talks. Frank puts his graduate school on hold, and lies to his parents about attending the necessary interview. Because they have failed to connect for so long, Matt and Ruth find little comfort in each other while they grieve. Matt is sad and throws himself into his work. Ruth is angry and chain smokes. Neither have a conversation about what has happened to their son, and the tension between the two builds. The blame game begins. Matt accuses Ruth of being bitter and controlling of her son. Ruth blames Matt of living vicariously through Frank. Frank is always on Matt's mind. Richard, Natalie's husband, is forever haunting Ruth.

I rate "In the Bedroom" four stars. The acting is powerful and credible. Wilkinson, Spacek, Tomei, and the movie itself were nominated for Oscars. I found the performance of William Mapother as Natalie's husband chilling and gave this film about relationships a terrifying tone. "In the Bedroom" is a suspenseful film. We don't know when Matt or Ruth will crack under the strain of their grief. The ending is incredible and painful, making "In the Bedroom" one of the most engrossing videos I have ever rented.